Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

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Rich, spicy, and oh-so-creamy, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed until now. Perfectly seared Cajun-spiced chicken, tossed with tender bowtie pasta and enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce that carries just the right kick—this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate.

This one-skillet wonder is a weeknight dream. With simple ingredients, quick prep, and bold flavor, it turns a busy night into a cozy dinner worth savoring. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for those who like a little heat without overwhelming spice. Pair it with a crisp side salad or some buttery garlic bread, and dinner is done!

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What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

You can go with your favorite store-bought Cajun seasoning, but look for one that lists paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne as the first ingredients. If you prefer to make your own, mix smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne to taste. The seasoning is what brings this creamy dish to life—so don’t skip it!

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Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

Chicken breast – Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-size chunks. This is your protein base, and it soaks up all the Cajun flavors beautifully.

Cajun seasoning – The star flavor. It adds a smoky, spicy depth that sets this dish apart.

Olive oil – For searing the chicken and giving it that gorgeous golden crust.

Garlic – Minced fresh for that essential savory boost.

Heavy cream – To create that luxurious, velvety sauce.

Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is best—it melts perfectly into the cream for richness and depth.

Chicken broth – Helps thin the sauce while adding flavor.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) – Its shape holds onto the sauce well, giving each bite great texture.

Salt and black pepper – Just enough to balance and bring everything together.

Fresh parsley – Optional garnish, but it adds a pop of color and freshness.

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How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through—about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a separate pot, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt fully into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything to coat evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of black pepper if you like a little more bite. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

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How to Serve and Store Your Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

This pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet, when the sauce is at its creamiest. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness. For extra indulgence, serve with garlic bread to mop up the sauce.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Freezing isn’t recommended as the sauce may separate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

That depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Some blends are mild, others are fiery. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your preference.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or even fettuccine all work well with the creamy sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a similar result, though it might be slightly less rich.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions and pair well with Cajun seasoning.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free pasta and make sure your Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free.

How do I make it less creamy?

Reduce the heavy cream and add more broth, or use milk instead. You can also skip the cheese for a lighter version.

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Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy Cajun chicken skillet, you’ll probably enjoy these other weeknight wonders:

• One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for a rich, cheesy spin on steak night.
• Sweet & Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta for a bold flavor explosion.
• One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta if you like your pasta smoky and zesty.
• One Skillet Smoky Cajun Sausage Cheese Mac for indulgent, Southern comfort.
• Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce if you’re craving creamy beefy goodness.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use homemade Cajun seasoning or tweak the heat level? Did you add extra veggies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier.

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